Social Web Site Safety

What are social web sites?
Social web sites are shared, online journals where people post entries about their personal interests, experiences or hobbies.

What are some examples of social web sites?
Several social web sites have sprung up in the last few years for internet users of all ages. Some examples include: Friendster, MySpace, Facebook, EHarmony, & Meetup

What are some advantages of using social web sites?

• Easy Information Exchange Facebook and similar sites allow users to gain access to personal information very quickly, including home and cell phone numbers, addresses, class and work schedules, and photos.
• Ability to Modify Posted Information Users of social web sites can totally change their profiles with just a few clicks on a keyboard.

What are some disadvantages of using social web sites?

• Easy Access Potential stalkers or harassers can find personal information through social web sites much more easily than they did in the days before Internet usage was widespread.
• Tool for Procrastinating or Wasting Time Surfing social web sites can easily take up hours that could have been used for tasks such as studying or working.
• Electronic Communication May Not Be as Effective As Face-to-Face Communication Electronic communication does not always carry the same message as face-to-face conversation. There are no facial expressions to support what is being said and the message’s tone can be easily misinterpreted. Unlike spoken words, electronic messages sent in the heat of the moment can be printed to prove what was said.

Your Personal Settings/What You Post
The following questions are designed to help you make smart choices about your privacy settings, as well as what you decide to post on your site:

• Would I want someone I don’t know to show up unannounced at my class, residence hall, or workplace?
• Am I comfortable getting phone calls, e-mails or other forms of attention from strangers?
• Am I posting information about myself or my whereabouts that would leave me vulnerable to crime?
• Would I be comfortable if a potential or current employer, parent or close friend read what I posted?
• What would my profile say about me to future roomates or neighbors? Would they form negative preconceptions about me?
• Am I posting information or photos portraying me engaging in illegal activities that are against the Student Code of Conduct?
• Online photos can be easily copied, downloaded or manipulated. Am I posting photos that would embarrass or incriminate me if they were shown in other venues? Am I willing to take the risk that someone may use my photo in a way in which I would not approve?

What Others Post
Facebook and similar web sites do not have mechanisms in place to verify what is posted in individual profiles. What you see is not always what you get. Consider these questions before divulging additional information about yourself or deciding if you want to meet an online acquaintance in person:

• Is the information I am reading from a reliable, verifiable source?
• Am I considering meeting someone for the first time in a public setting with a way to get myself out of a situation if it is unsafe?
• Would I be aiding/abetting a crime or policy violation if I follow instructions found on someone’s profile?
• What are the possible advantages of getting to know this person better? Are there risks that I can reduce or eliminate before we proceed in deepening our involvement with each other?

Who Can Help? You can get help from one of these offices or departments if you become a victim through affiliation with a social web site.

Counseling Center...........................................513-556-0648
Office of Student Life......................................513-556-5250
Resident Education and Development..........................513-556-6476
UC 24-Hour Sexual Violence Crisis Line......................513-218-9531
UC Ombuds Office............................................513-556-5956
UC Police Department...................513-556-1111 or 911 (Emergencies)
UC Women’s Center...........................................513-556-4401
UCit Information Security...................................513-558-4732
University Judicial Affairs.................................513-556-6812

IT Handbook
Blackboard Learning System | Computer and Network Services
Frequently Used Numbers | Security Basics and Virus Information
Social Web Site Safety | Telephone Services
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